Drug interactions
Bupropion + Lofepramine
Severity: Moderate
Bupropion and Lofepramine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6 and may increase concentrations of lofepramine and its active metabolite desipramine, raising the risk of tricyclic toxicity. Both drugs lower the seizure threshold, so seizure risk is additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Lofepramine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
CYP2D6 inhibition by bupropion plus additive pro-convulsant effects.
What to do
Use low starting doses of lofepramine, with slow titration, and monitor for anticholinergic and cardiac effects. Keep the bupropion dose as low as effective and avoid in patients with seizure risk factors.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Bupropion
- Bupropion + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Lofepramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bupropion and Lofepramine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6 and may increase concentrations of lofepramine and its active metabolite desipramine, raising the risk of tricyclic toxicity. Both drugs lower the seizure threshold, so seizure risk is additive.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Lofepramine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use low starting doses of lofepramine, with slow titration, and monitor for anticholinergic and cardiac effects. Keep the bupropion dose as low as effective and avoid in patients with seizure risk factors.
What other medicines interact with Bupropion?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Bupropion with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Bupropion page.
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